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Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
Chapter 2, Problem 83c

(c) Write a structural formula for 1-pentanol, the alcohol derived from pentane by making a substitution on one of the carbon atoms.

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Identify the parent hydrocarbon: Pentane is a straight-chain alkane with five carbon atoms, represented as C5H12.
Understand the functional group: An alcohol contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) that replaces a hydrogen atom in the hydrocarbon.
Determine the position of substitution: In 1-pentanol, the hydroxyl group is attached to the first carbon atom in the chain.
Draw the carbon chain: Start by drawing a linear chain of five carbon atoms, each bonded to the next.
Add the hydroxyl group: Replace one hydrogen atom on the first carbon with an -OH group, ensuring each carbon has four bonds in total.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Structural Formula

A structural formula represents the arrangement of atoms within a molecule, showing how the atoms are bonded to each other. It provides insight into the molecular structure, including the connectivity of atoms and the presence of functional groups. In organic chemistry, structural formulas are crucial for understanding the properties and reactivity of compounds.
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Alcohol Functional Group

Alcohols are organic compounds characterized by the presence of one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a carbon atom. This functional group is responsible for the chemical properties of alcohols, including their ability to form hydrogen bonds, which affects their boiling points and solubility. In the case of 1-pentanol, the hydroxyl group is located at the terminal carbon of the pentane chain.
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Carbonyl Functional Groups

Pentane and Its Derivatives

Pentane is a straight-chain alkane with five carbon atoms, represented by the formula C5H12. When a hydrogen atom in pentane is replaced by a hydroxyl group, it forms 1-pentanol, an alcohol. Understanding the structure of pentane and how substituents can modify it is essential for drawing the correct structural formula for its derivatives.
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